On the judicial front in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has named a new appointee to the First Court of Appeals, which has many in the legal community watching closely. David Gunn, a partner at Beck Redden LLP based out of Houston, will take his seat at Place 4, with a term that's slated to wind down at the close of 2026, that is unless a successor takes the reins earlier due to being elected and qualified as per the process.
David Gunn isn't a fresh face in the legal circuits – his experience spans across a variety of roles including his tenure as a partner at Hogan Dubose & Townsend and Rothenberg & Gunn he cut his teeth clerking for the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, bringing a depth of insight to his newfound position on the appellate bench. His legal expertise is complemented by an academic background that boasts a chemical engineering degree from The University of Texas at Austin, supplemented by a master's from MIT, a JD from Baylor Law School, and a Master of Laws from the University of Houston Law Center, according to a news release by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Gunn's participation in the law isn't localized only to courtrooms, before taking his judicial seat, he served as a city councilmember and was also a part of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for Hilshire Village, showcasing a commitment to civic duty and an understanding of municipal machinations. He is an integral part of several legal associations namely the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, and the International Association of Defense Counsel, which speaks volumes about his standing and connectivity within the legal profession.
